Signs & Stories of the Kingdom. Forgiveness
Laura walks us through the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21:35) emphasising that forgiveness is to infinity and beyond in God's Kingdom. Jesus demonstrates this when He went to the cross to take all punishment for sin making it possible for us to be in right relationship with God. Laura challenges us to consider how we want to live as people in God's Kingdom.
Life Group Questions
Signs & Stories of the Kingdom. Forgiveness: Infinity & Beyond
Read Matthew 18:21-35
- What do you notice?
- What is challenging for you?
- What parts do you have observations or questions about?
Discuss
Matthew 18 deals with caring for vulnerable people (children, ‘these little ones’, ‘wandering sheep’) before discussing practical steps toward reconciliation and forgiveness.
- How do we hold the tension of both protecting the vulnerable and giving those who have done wrong a second chance?
- How does the comment in v.6 about it being better that someone be drowned if they have caused a little one to sin fit into this picture of forgiveness and reconciliation?
- How do forgiveness, justice, discipline and consequences fit together in all of this?
- Are they all good things?
- Can we just use one or two and expect things to turn out OK?
The parable begins with a question from Peter.
- What is Peter asking, and what is Jesus’ response?
- How does the parable add to this answer?
- What do we need to consider as we consider forgiving people in light of this?
It is often useful to define a bit what forgiveness is and isn’t in these conversations. We are called to forgive as God forgives us, which means:
Forgiving doesn’t mean agreeing that what they did was right.
Forgiving doesn’t mean that what happened didn’t matter.
Forgiving doesn’t mean that what happened to you was OK.
Forgiving doesn’t mean that there can’t be consequences or justice.
Forgiving doesn’t mean you have to trust that person again or put yourself in unsafe situations with them – forgiveness is a gift, trust is earned.
Forgiving means you give up your right to take revenge and entrust it to God.
[17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19]
- How does this challenge your definition or beliefs about forgiveness?
- Would this kind of forgiveness feel more possible than other definitions?
Pray that we can extend and receive forgiveness in all the ways that we need it for the sake of the Kingdom.